Seattle Reign FC 1
FC Kansas City 0
Seattle, WA – Memorial Stadium
May 1, 2016
NWSL Regular Season
Seattle Reign FC bounced back at home following their first ever defeat at Memorial Stadium with a steady 1-0 victory over a disciplined but depleted FC Kansas City side Sunday evening.
FCKC played a high pressure approach early, similar to the successful way Sky Blue had frustrated Seattle in the opener. Bev Yanez had been dropped back into an attacking midfield role, with Kim Little more in Jess Fishlock’s usual spot, which mean no drop off in play making and midfield hustle. Seattle is a strong possession team; often very patient, and that patience meant a lot of ball movement but not necessarily chances on goal. The first half ended goalless.
KC played pressure and smart, with veterans like Becky Sauerbrunn, Heather O’Reilly, and Nicole Barnhart keeping things steady. With the loss of the retired Lauren Holladay, Shea Groom on a red card suspension and other offensive talent out due to pregnancies, the patience game seemed to suit KC.
But, all it took was one moment, and Kim Little put Seattle on the board in the 55th minute with a lead they would hold to collect the three points. Merritt Mathias kept a long through pass alive in the corner; the ensuing cross and chaos enabled Little to collect the ball, make a move, and beat Barnhart to the far post.
